Arthur Joseph STOKES

Arthur Stokes was one of Coventry’s best known sportsmen in the early part of the 20th century. He raced for local cycling clubs Godiva Harriers and Premier Cycling Club, and in 1907 he was one of the founder members of the new Coventry Racing Cyclists Club. But it was after joining the Arab Cycling Club in 1911 that he gained recognition and subsequent selection for the England team, one of three Great Britain teams entered for the road race at the Stockholm Olympics. Sadly, due to the poor condition of some areas of the circuit, Arthur suffered a bad fall, breaking his collar bone and he had to withdraw. consequently he failed to contribute to his team’s total in the team element of the race although they did go on to win the silver medal. The state of the roads in Stockholm were so bad, and unsurfaced in parts, that nearly a quarter of the 123 starters failed to complete the race.